P2RX7 and major depressive disorder: Moreover, increased levels of IL-1β can trigger inflammation of the central nervous system, leading to reduced concentrations of serotonin (Fig. 5).83 Because P2X7R -mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in the development of both diabetes and depression, we expect that novel interventions targeting the P2X7–NLRP3–IL-1β pathway will reduce insulin resistance, leading to potential treatments for both depression and diabetes.